Summary
In this episode of Inside the Leader's Mind, David Suson sits down with Tim Baum, Vice President of Operations at Hooters of America, to explore what it truly takes to build a long, successful leadership career. With 33 years at the same brand and oversight of 150 company-owned restaurants, Tim shares how culture, relationships, and adaptability have been the foundation of both his longevity and success. He reflects on pivotal leadership moments, the influence of family, navigating private equity ownership, and the evolving challenges of leading a multigenerational, tech-driven workforce.
Takeaways
Culture drives longevity: Strong relationships and a family-style culture keep people engaged long term.
Leadership visibility matters: From GM to executive roles, leaders constantly set the tone, even when they don't realize it.
People over process: Financial metrics matter, but leadership success comes from caring about people first.
Adaptability is essential: What worked before may not work now; leaders must stay flexible and open-minded.
Core leadership principles endure: Respect, trust, and valuing people transcend generational differences.
Soundbites
"We're in the people business first — whether it's internal guests or external guests."
"All eyes are on you as a leader, even when you don't think they are."
"Longevity comes from culture and relationships, not just titles."
"Leadership hasn't changed — but how we train and develop people has."
"Success is knowing you made a positive impact on someone's life."
Timestamps
00:02 – Introduction of Tim Baum
01:09 – Tim's role as VP of Operations, Hooters of America
01:29 – Scope of responsibility: 150 company-owned restaurants
02:21 – From college cook to lifelong career
03:10 – Why longevity is rare — and how culture sustains it
04:25 – Building culture from within
06:24 – Navigating private equity ownership
09:06 – Pivotal leadership turning points
13:00 – Tim's leadership "superpower"
14:59 – Biggest leadership challenge today
16:51 – Leading across generations and technology shifts
19:16 – Personal growth and adapting as a leader
22:03 – The question he wishes people asked
23:28 – Final reflections on leadership and impact
Contact links for the guest
Hooters of America – https://www.hooters.com
LinkedIn: Tim Baum – https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbaum/
Keyword tags
Leadership, Executive Leadership, Restaurant Industry, Operational Excellence, Company Culture, People Development, Private Equity, Multigenerational Workforce, Adaptability, Tim Baum, Hooters of America, Inside the Leader's Mind, David Suson
